The Institute of Bankers Pakistan

FAQs

1. What is ISQ?

IBP Superior Qualification (ISQ) is the only recognized professional qualification for bankers in
Pakistan, which is recognized by both, the State Bank of Pakistan as well as the banking and
financial services industry. The JAIBP program is also accredited by UK’s Chartered Banker
Institute.

ISQ is a professional qualification program, which is aimed at empowering the present and potential
management-level bankers with the practical knowledge about the banking industry and its functions.
ISQ is a three-level, self-study program designed to equip entrants of the banking industry with
necessary skills and knowledge to become well-rounded banking professionals. Unlike academic
qualifications, the ISQ is both market-oriented and practical. Through a carefully designed course
structure and subject matter, participants are able to accelerate their learning process and acquire
the relevant banking knowledge of regulations, products, lending, marketing, operations and
management Business Communication & I.T. which they would otherwise only acquire informally
over an extended period in their professional banking careers.

2. Why ISQ?

The ISQ program offers its candidates:

• An internationally recognized qualification accredited by Chartered Banker Institute (UK).

• A cross-functional knowledge base designed to educate the candidate about best banking
practices and technicalities.
• Self-study modules.
• A flexible course structure to suit both working professionals and full time students.
• An affordable and cost-effective qualification.
• Structured curriculum linked to banking practices.
• Cash rewards to employees from banks.
• Faster career progression including possible promotions.

3. What are the benefits of ISQ?

Benefits for bankers: promotion, annual increments, cash awards and locally as well as internationally
recognized JAIBP portion of ISQ as per bank’s HR policies.

4. What is the ISQ registration process?

Registration procedure to apply for ISQ:

Get yourself REGISTERED by completing the following steps:

• Fill out the registration form available on IBP website, please follow the link http://100.42.50.26/Login.aspx
to access ISQ online portal;

UAN: (021)111-IBP-ISQ (021-111-427-477) | Email: isq@ibp.org.pk477) 01

 The Institute of Bankers Pakistan

• Submit the duly filled & signed registration form with paid deposit slip (available on ISQ online portal);
to any of the IBP/ SBP (BSC) offices in different cities of Pakistan along with the following attested
copies:
o 3 recent passport size photographs;
o CNIC and educational documents;
• Under-Graduate candidates are required to submit a letter from their academic institutions confirming
their enrollment in the graduating program stated in their registration form.

5. What is the Eligibility criteria to apply for ISQ?

Bankers and finance industry professionals

OR
Candidates in the final year of graduation (14 years) or in the 3rd year of graduation
(16 years) studies
OR
Graduates in any discipline with a minimum 2nd Division or Equivalent qualification
OR
Candidates enrolled in Professional Accounting qualifications.

6. Is ISQ recognized internationally?

Formally, only the Junior Associateship of IBP (JAIBP) portion of ISQ is recognized internationally
at the moment.

7. What is the Eligibility criteria for foreign students?

Candidate should obtain a letter from Higher Education Commission (HEC) where they either
recognize the degree or give an equivalence certificate to the candidate.

8. Who can attest the documents?

Any senior banker or any gazetted officer can attest the documents.

9. What is the fee structure for ISQ?

PROGRAM FEES:

• Registration fee (one-time) : PKR 15,000/-

• JAIBP Examination fee (Stage-I) : PKR 2,000/- (Per Subject)
• JAIBP Examination fee (Stage-II) : PKR 2,500/- (Per Subject)
• JAIBP Examination fee (Stage-III) : PKR 3,000/- (Per Subject)
• AIBP Examination fee : PKR 2,500/- (Per Subject)
• JAIBP Exemption fee : PKR 2,500/- (Per Subject)
• JAIBP Comprehensive Program fee
Registration fee : PKR 15,000/-
Exemption fee : PKR 30,000/-
Examination fee : PKR 9,000/-
Total Fee : PKR 54,000/-

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 The Institute of Bankers Pakistan

10. What is the mode of payment of fee?

All payments shall be made through specific bank deposit slips available on IBP’s website.

11. Is there any Fee Installment Program?

• The Installment program has been discontinued; complete payment is required at the time of
registration or enrollment.

12. What is the duration of the program?

Candidates can complete the three stages with in a minimum of 18 months.

13. What is structure of the program?

The ISQ program compresses of three stages and each stage consists of 4 subjects.
For details of courses please refer to the flyer.

14. What is the exam and registration cycle?

Examinations are held twice a year in June (Summer Session) and December (Winter Session).

15. What are the limitations in moving from one stage of ISQ to another?

For stage II you must clear at least 2 subjects of Stage I. The candidate can then apply for Stage II
subjects along with the remaining subjects of Stage I. Similarly, for Stage III the candidate should have
completed Stage I and at least 2 subjects of Stage II.

16. How many attempts are allowed?

Maximum 16 attempts are allowed for entire 3 stages of ISQ, otherwise all complete / incomplete
stage(s) will lapse and candidate have to appear afresh.

17. Any exemptions for academic qualifications?

In JAIBP qualification, the Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) offers exemptions under a fast track
route in different subject(s) based on academic qualifications and professional studies.

According to the IBP-Academic and Editorial Committee/ Board’s Policy:

- Candidates can avail exemptions up to 02 subjects in JAIBP if they have completed similar
subjects in their academic qualifications;
- Candidates can avail exemptions up to 06 subjects in JAIBP if they have completed similar
subjects in their professional studies (ICAP, ICMAP and PIPFA).

UAN: (021)111-IBP-ISQ (021-111-427-477) | Email: isq@ibp.org.pk477) 03

 The Institute of Bankers Pakistan

18. What is the procedure of applying for Exemptions?

To Apply for exemption please follow the link http://100.42.50.26/Login.aspx and access ISQ
online portal;

• Attested photocopy of transcript(s) and degree or completion certificate along with

exemption form to be dispatch to Examinations Department, The Institute of Bankers
Pakistan, M.T Khan Road, Karachi.

19. What are the passing marks and criteria to pass?

Minimum 50 % marks each in Objective & Subjective Sections of the Examination paper.

20. Where are the exam centers located?

There are at least 25 locations across Pakistan & abroad.

21. Where can I find the Past papers/Sample papers of JAIBP?

Kindly visit our website www.ibp.org.pk for the required Sample paper/ Past paper
regarding the JAIBP Exam.

The link for the Sample paper is given below:

https://www.ibp.org.pk/isq-sample-papers/

The link for the Past paper is given below:

https://www.ibp.org.pk/isq-past-papers/

22. Where can I find the books for JAIBP Examination?

Kindly contact our UAN helpline number (021)111-427-477, for further guidance regarding ISQ books
OR email at dilawar.khan@ibp.org.pk
Syllabus Guides are also available on our website www.ibp.org.pk.
The link for guidelines is given below:
https://www.ibp.org.pk/isq-syllabus-guide/

23. What is the cost of books?

The cost of each book is approximately Rs. 400/-

24. Where can I find the reference material/ISQ handbook/books for AIBP Examination?

IBP does not provide books for AIBP, only the list of reference material is available on our website
www.ibp.org.pk

The link for the Reference Material list is given below:

https://2tb7fh29jbf93e9aaey5bqi4-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/
ISQ-List-of-Reference-Books.pdf

UAN: (021)111-IBP-ISQ (021-111-427-477) | Email: isq@ibp.org.pk477) 04

 The Institute of Bankers Pakistan

The ISQ Handbook available on our website www.ibp.org.pk contains the syllabus outlines for AIBP,
available in the following link:
https://2tb7fh29jbf93e9aaey5bqi4-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/
ISQHandbook.pdf

25. Where can I get the eBooks of JAIBP from?

Separate eBooks have also been launched on eILM. Cost per book is PKR 500/- per candidate for
the complete session of the ISQ Examinations.
For Details and Registration visit www.ibp.org.pk

26. Kindly provide me the details for ISQ Weekend Coaching classes?

Each JAIBP subject is covered by experts who are highly experienced in their fields and have been
regularly delivering sessions on these subjects at different forums and educational institutions.

Details of the Coaching Classes are as follows:

• Fee: PKR 3,500 (per subject)
• Timing: 9am – 5pm (Saturday and Sunday)
• Venue: The Institute of Bankers Pakistan, M. T. Khan Road, Karachi.

The link for registration form is given below:

https://2tb7fh29jbf93e9aaey5bqi4-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/
Registration_Form.pdf

27. How can I register for ISQ Online Coaching Classes?

IBP has launched eCoaching Classes for IBP Superior Qualification (ISQ). Candidates can now easily
register for online classes on the eILM platform. Each module comprises a package of learning materi-
al to help candidates prepare for the ISQ Examinations accessible from their homes 24/7, facilitating
learning at the ease of the candidates at their own pace and timings.
The link for Brochure is given below:
https://2tb7fh29jbf93e9aaey5bqi4-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/
ISQ-E-CC-BROUCHER.pdf

The link for registration form is given below:

https://2tb7fh29jbf93e9aaey5bqi4-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/
eILM-REGISTRATION-FORM.pdf

The link for the deposit slip is given below:

https://2tb7fh29jbf93e9aaey5bqi4-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/
eILM-DEPOSIT-SLIP.pdf

28. Where can I get the Subject books from?

Subject books are available at IBP Head office, Karachi and its local center at Lahore. However,
they can also be couriered to the candidate.

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29. What is the percentage of candidates passing ISQ?

There is no fixed percentage of people passing ISQ; it varies from subject to subject.

30. Can we pass the exam by only referring to the text book?

Anyone who goes through the text book and also has knowledge of the current trends of the banking
industry can easily clear the paper.

31. Are the exam centers easily changeable?

Exam centers can be changed easily; you just have to send a written request to the examination
department or email us at examination@ibp.org.pk along with Rs. 500/- pay order
(change of centre Fee).

32. Is there an age limit for ISQ?

There is no age limit for candidates who wish register for ISQ exam. You can register for it any time.

33. Does IBP guarantee jobs to candidates on successful completion of ISQ?

No, IBP does not guarantee jobs to candidates upon successful completion of ISQ. However, the ISQ
qualification will be an added advantage to them at time of job recruitment. For candidates already
employed, it can pave the way for promotions and monetary benefits, etc.

34. What is the validity period of registration?

Registration is valid for life.

35. What is the validity period of enrollment?

Time Limitation policy for completion of JAIBP (Effective from Winter-2015)

Candidates registered from Winter -2015 & onwards will be given a time frame of
08 years to complete JAIBP.

If the candidate is unable to complete the JAIBP program in 08 years, all of the complete and
incomplete stage(s) will be lapsed and the candidate(s) will be required to enroll in JAIBP again
as a fresh candidate.

Candidate registered prior to Winter-2015 & have at least a single chance/attempt remaining will be
allowed 08 years from Winter-2015 to complete their JAIBP. If the candidate is unable to complete the
JAIBP program by Summer-2023, all of the complete and incomplete stage(s)/part(s) will be lapsed
and the candidate(s) will be required to enroll in JAIBP again as a fresh candidate.

36. Is ISQ better than CA, ICMA, CIMA etc.?

ISQ cannot be compared to other qualifications as it is designed in a way that especially caters to the
banking industry.

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37. How many classes do we have for each subject?

There are 04 classes held for each subject.

38. What is the procedure to get a consolidated certificate?

Consolidated certificate is issued to only DAIBP qualified candidates upon payment of Rs. 500/- in
Favor of The Institute of Bankers Pakistan.

39. What is procedure for Duplicate Provisional Certificate?

Candidate can apply for duplicate certificate with hand written application along with a payment of
Rs. 500/- in favor of The Institute of Bankers Pakistan.

40. What is the procedure for duplicate final Certificate?

Candidates can apply for duplicate final certificate with Application and Original FIR along with
Rs. 1,000/- in favor of The Institute of Bankers Pakistan.

41. How can I get the Professional Banker Certificate?

Professional Banker Certificate is subject to management’s decision. Once decided, it will be

intimated to you.

42. If a candidate applies for exemption(s) in subject for any stage,

will the attempt be counted or not?

Yes, if a candidate applies for exemption and exemption granted by the management, then his/ her
attempt will be counted.

43. If a candidate applies for exemption and exemption rejected,

will the attempt be counted or not?

No, the attempt will not be counted but candidate will be automatically enrolled in the said subject
in which exemption was applied.

UAN: (021)111-IBP-ISQ (021-111-427-477) | Email: isq@ibp.org.pk477) 07